[Dog Food Created by Nara Haruki: Quality: Blue Ingredients: Herbs, meat Effect: Enhances the physical fitness of ninja dogs. No side effects. Optimal effectiveness during the puppy stage, right after weaning. Conclusion: Extremely attractive to dogs. Can be used to gather an entire pack. Win their stomach, win their loyalty. Recognition: 780/1000 (The higher the recognition, the more inspiration and rewards in similar sub-fields) Reward: +1 Physical Fitness, +10 Chakra]
Watching Yamamaru crouched in a small basin, working hard, Nara Kane finally exhaled in relief.
The original approval rating was only [10/100], but that number had risen—proof that some adults from the Inuzuka Clan were starting to recognize the effectiveness of the dog food.
As authorities in the field of canine rearing, their approval was a strong indicator of the product's quality. Inuzukayama's father had even mentioned visiting in the next few days, clearly showing interest in collaboration.
Nara Haruki was genuinely looking forward to this development.
He knew that if he were a genius in the traditional ninja sense, he could rely on the secret techniques of the Nara Clan. He wouldn't need to worry about acquiring jutsu or finding good teachers—he would just need time to grow.
But someone with research talent like Nie Da couldn't remain confined here. This kind of talent demanded immense resources. The consumption was nearly bottomless.
For the sake of his future security and growth, Haruki had to plan ahead—to show his value early on and find a way to finance himself.
Even with the Nara Clan's support, the resources given to each member, the investment made in their growth, and their voice in important decisions all depended on one thing: their talent and potential.
If this went well, he might receive a generous initial investment from the Inuzuka Clan, allowing him to embark on technical research within his current capabilities.
Of course, survival remained the top priority. The Soul of Nirvana meant that while you could be defeated once, you could never be truly destroyed—just like Uncle Orochimaru in this world. He could be taken down, but never truly killed.
In a dangerous world, survival is everything.
A soft touch brushed against his knee. Looking down, he saw Yamamaru, belly bloated and content, rubbing against his leg and then flopping over with a satisfied sigh.
"I just made this today. Take it home with you," Haruki said as he handed an open bag to Inuzukayama.
Inuzukayama accepted it with a nod. This wasn't the first time—last time he brought two portions home and gave them to his parents. This portion was enough for Yamamaru for three or four days, but with their companions factored in, it was just today's ration.
Nightfall.
Nara Shikakichi came home looking worn out, only to see Nara Haruki kneeling on the floor, eyes sparkling.
"I did it, Father."
Shikakichi, who had been bracing himself to deal with another headache-inducing issue from his son, was momentarily stunned. Had he misheard?
"What did you say?" he asked, eyes wide.
He quickly walked over and sat beside his son.
Haruki said nothing more. He simply opened his palm. Resting in it was a small peach. Under Shikakichi's gaze, a dark shadow began to form in Haruki's hand, taking shape rapidly into a black rectangular block—like a miniature coffin.
Suddenly, a black spike, shaped like a rapier, thrust downward into the block. As the shadows dispersed, the peach within was revealed to be slashed and mangled, as if tortured by countless blades.
Looking at Haruki, who was panting and drenched in sweat, even the brilliant Shikakichi was momentarily speechless.
The jutsu, though still rough, was unmistakably advanced.
Though the form of the black coffin was a little thin and not aesthetically refined, it was clearly a high-level secret technique utilizing shadow.
Recalling their past discussions, Shikakichi realized the technique had even greater potential. It could evolve into a truly advanced Yin Release (Yin Dun) technique, going beyond the Nara Clan's traditional shadow skills.
To give form to the formless, to create something from nothing—this was Yin Dun.
Compared to genjutsu, another branch of Yin Dun, the Nara Clan's shadow techniques were much closer to the true core of Yin Release.
While lethal shadow techniques already existed in the Nara Clan's arsenal, this new "Shadow Coffin" had unique value. That Haruki, a child not yet six, had created it made it all the more astonishing.
Yes, this was based on the clan's secret scrolls, and the elders (himself included) had guided Haruki along the way. But even so, he never believed this jutsu could be created in such a short time—a span he originally imagined would take years.
The depth of understanding needed for Yin Release should have been beyond someone of Haruki's age. Even with mentorship, the odds were low.
"Prepare a copy of your ideas and the seal arrangements," Shikakichi instructed, breathing deeply.
This jutsu deserved to be archived as a new family secret. And the clan would surely reward Haruki properly.
Haruki slid a stack of notes toward him—already prepared.
At the same time, a long-dormant interface reappeared in his mind:
[Secret Ninjutsu: Shadow Coffin Quality: A+ ("+" indicates growth potential) Basic Requirement: Mastery of Yin Release Advanced Requirement: Shadow Mysticism Effect: Uses Yin Release to give physical, lethal form to shadows. Condenses shadow into a black coffin to trap the target inside. Target receives multiple simultaneous wounds. Conclusion: Best avoided if you value your life. Recognition: 10/1000 (The higher the recognition, the more inspiration and rewards in similar sub-fields)]
Haruki's thoughts suddenly cleared. Concepts related to Yin Release that once puzzled him became much easier to grasp. His mind lit up with new ideas for the technique's next evolution.